The regulator has been somewhat less scathing in its own judgments, with 85% of practices praised as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. It has found 11% of practices to ‘require improvement’ and 4% to be ‘inadequate’.

One GP said they rated the CQC as ‘inadequate’ after their inspection ‘reduced staff to tears’, while another claimed inspectors had been ‘aggressive with staff and rude to patients’.

The GP said the inspector 'had not practised for two years and had no idea' about some areas of practice work. 'They were more interested in the dust on the skirting boards,’ said the GP.

'We know GPs have confidence in us'

But one GP said the CQC inspectors had been ‘lovely and supportive’, even though the inspection itself had been ‘immensely stressful’.

A CQC spokeswoman said its own surveys showed that the majority of practices trusted the CQC and found the inspection process useful.

She told GPOnline: ‘Over 90% of surgeries inspected and surveyed last year said our teams provided clear information about the inspection process. A total of 70% said their inspection helped them reflect on how they could improve and this is how we know GPs have confidence in the CQC.’